by johnnymarin | May 1, 2018 | Pigeon Patrol's Services
Today, PETA filed a complaint asking the University of Minnesota to investigate Dr. Carol Cardona—the Pomeroy Chair in Avian Health for the College of Veterinary Medicine in St. Paul—for false and profoundly irresponsible statements that she made to Bio Corporation, an Alexandria-based classroom dissection–specimen supplier.
A PETA video exposé showed Bio Corporation workers drowning fully conscious pigeons and injecting live crayfish with chemicals, prompting a police investigation and charges for 25 counts of cruelty to animals. But Cardona—in statements contradicted by American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) guidelines and veterinary research—defended the practice of drowning birds, prompting the Alexandria City Attorney’s Office to dismiss all 25 charges. PETA is asking the university to retract these statements and determine whether she violated its Board of Regents’ Code of Conduct.
“On University of Minnesota letterhead, Dr. Cardona wrote in support of drowning pigeons, which causes them a slow, terrifying, and painful death,” says PETA Senior Vice President of Cruelty Investigations Daphna Nachminovitch. “PETA is calling on the university to clarify that neither it nor its faculty advocate the use of illegal and cruel means of killing animals.”
Although Bio Corporation is required by federal law to adhere to the AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals, which prohibit drowning as “inhumane,”Cardona declared that the company’s practices “should be considered pest control.” Although research shows that it can take 5 to 10 minutes for drowning birds to die from cardiac arrest, she claimed that “death by drowning would be nearly instantaneous. In light of this, I don’t think that this form of inducing death should be classified as animal cruelty.”
PETA has also filed complaints against Cardona with the Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine and the American College of Poultry Veterinarians.
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by johnnymarin | Apr 30, 2018 | Pigeon Patrol's Services
Fanciers have refined their methods over the years, including making birds’ diets more nutritious, applying superior breeding techniques and using technology in training.
Once seen as a hobby of the working class, pigeon racing has gradually managed to climb up the social hierarchy in India. People like doctors, lawyers, businessmen, engineers and lawmakers are becoming involved.
“There was a time in Chennai when pigeon racing was largely associated only with auto-rickshaw drivers and daily wage workers,” said Philips.
Many fanciers, who are mostly men, also involve their families in the sport and share their passion with loved ones. Many enthusiasts inherited the sport from previous generations.
Read more: Existential pigeon film swoops to take Golden Lion
There is little chance to make money with pigeon racing and the sport is a labor of love. Even the cash prizes awarded at the racing events are roughly worth 5,000 Indian rupees (€62), whereas the monthly expenses of about 100 birds would cost more than that.
Surprisingly, there is no rampant gambling or foul play such as the introduction of growth stimulators in birds in the loosely organized sport, barring few instances of malpractices.
In comparison, there have been many cases of violation in sports like horse racing.
One of the major challenges faced by the lovers of pigeon racing sport is the government’s reluctance to formalize the sport, which would foster a regulated system.
Pigeon racer Mohanakrishnan’s bird won the 2017 long-distance race
Mohanakrishnan, an ardent pigeon fancier whose bird won the long-distance race in 2017, is gearing up to send three of his coveted birds on an arduous 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) voyage sometime in the next few days. He rears as many as 150 pigeons at the moment and ends up spending up to 8,000 Indian rupees (€100) monthly.
Explaining his feeding methods, Mohanakrishnan, an engineer who goes by a single name, told DW “I feed corn, groundnut, white corn, varieties of wheat, horse gram, candle millet, finger millet to all the birds regularly. Every morning, I also give oil feeds so as to strengthen the birds allowing them to fly longer distances.”
When asked about the training regime for the birds, he said the preparations begin soon after what is known as the “molting period” – typically between July and September – during which the pigeons shed their feathers for fresh ones. The first month after molting is crucial to make the birds’ wings stronger and hone their skills.
After monitoring flying abilities, Mohanakrishnan said homing pigeons are then made to fly at regular intervals between five and 120 kilometers (three – 75 miles) to boost their capability and sharpen their homing skills.
Over a 15-year lifespan, pigeons are their racing peak for four to five years. After this the best are kept as “stock birds” to strengthen the gene-pool of the next generation.
Mohanakrishnan added that an experienced fancier could determine whether a particular bird is worthy of racing by looking at its eyes, wing patterns, body, feathers and legs, but cautioned there is always a chance of making a mistaken guess.
Birds can also be lost due to several factors both during the training and racing phases – but this risk can be minimized if the fanciers take necessary precautionary measures, added Mohanakrishnan.
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by johnnymarin | Apr 29, 2018 | Pigeons in the News
In the southern Indian city of Chennai, the pigeon racing season is reaching its climax. For pigeon keepers – or fanciers as they are known – it is a very important time of year. The wings of thousands of pigeons are routinely tested, the birds are watered and fed nutritious meals at regular intervals and much ground-work is laid for a race taking place in the skies.
Chennai is home to nearly half of India’s 7,000-strong fanciers, making it the “Mecca of pigeon racing.”
Between January and April, fanciers put their pigeons to participate in races of varying lengths ranging from 200 to 1,400 kilometers (120 – 870 miles). The former maximum race length of 1,850 kilometers (1,140 miles) was removed after animal rights groups expressed concern over the health of the birds.
As the race for the final category is set to begin, all eyes are on the upcoming event. The winning birds will be sought after for breeding and the first bird to reach home earns its keeper a prize and the respect of his fellow fanciers.
A close-knit community of fanciers raising pigeons has been breaking many barriers in the last two decades as the sport, a passion for thousands of people in South Asia, gradually emerged from a hobby to a cultural phenomenon.
Pigeon racers prepare their birds with a combination of nutrition and training
More than two dozen clubs have cropped up in recent years providing platforms for the fanciers to exchange knowledge, updates and race against each other.
Pigeon racing, also popular in some parts of Europe, first appeared in the Indian cities Kolkata and Bengaluru in the 1940s and 1970s. In Chennai the sport gained popularity in the 1980s.
The Indian Racing Pigeon Association (IRPA) is the official body that conducts races and is recognized internationally. Several other smaller clubs also organize races on their own.
IRPA’s president, Ivan Philips, told DW that there has been steady growth in interest towards rearing pigeons for sporting purposes in India in the past decade. The number of pigeon fanciers grows between 10 percent and 20 percent every year, he said.
Philips says there are plans to conduct racing events twice a year, divided between younger and older birds.
“We have our own pigeon racing Olympics, which is conducted every two years,” he said.
“The next one is set to take place in Poland next year. We also have a two-day world congress for pigeon fanciers during which we discuss and share the latest developments in the sport from other countries. We decide on the future of pigeon racing in our countries for the next two years during the conference,” said Philips.
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by johnnymarin | Apr 28, 2018 | Pigeons in the News
A Brent landlord company has been fined after failing to combat noisy pigeons nesting in one of their rental properties, following complaints that the birds were waking up the tenants.
Landlord company Adilsons Property Limited has received a sizeable fine after their tenants complained about the noisy pigeons. The couple were persistently disturbed by the birds, whose cooing awakened them each morning at 4am. The tenants were awarded £7,638 in compensation after Adilsons Property Limited refused to sort out the issue.
Brent Council investigated the property following a complaint lodged about the pigeon infested loft and also a water leak in the ceiling of the property. Adilsons Property Limited made some repairs but was ordered to pay £31,026 after failing to comply with follow-up notices related to the problems issued by Brent Council.
The trial was held at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on March 20. Adilsons Property Limited of Cricklewood Broadway, Wembley, was found guilty of failing to comply with an improvement notice related to sorting out the pigeons. The company was fined £12,200 and told to pay £5,648 in costs and was also told that they must pay a victim surcharge of £170. The property’s manager, Aamir Sultan was also fined £6,100. The two tenants were awarded £7,638 in compensation for the trouble that they had suffered at the hands of the early birds nesting in their home.
Head of Private Housing Services, Spencer Randolph, spoke out about the local council’s decision to prosecute the rogue landlord. He said: ‘Landlords are expected to maintain the properties that they rent out. Tenants in the private rented sector have a legal right to decent living conditions. We will prosecute landlords and letting agencies that fail to comply with improvement notices. This landlord had plenty of opportunities to carry out the repairs but ignored our requests.’
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
by johnnymarin | Apr 27, 2018 | Pigeons in the News
Nestled in the heart of Chamarajanagardistrict, Kollegal is a small town that has, more or less, become synonymous with black magic. Such is the reputation of Kollegal that people from neighbouring states such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu seek out the Tantriks and Mantravadis in the town, to help solve a broad range of problems. However, visitors to this town are no longer queuing up just outside the doors of the Tantriks. Over the past few years, naati vydyaru (traditional healers) in Kollegal have become famous for the treatment they offer for stroke using pigeons, and what is more, they are making a handsome profit from the trade as well – charging a sum of Rs 10,000 to offer treatment.
Residents point to the ubiquity of posters around the town advertising the healers, and the recovery they can effect using the pigeons, called ‘Lakva parivala (stroke pigeon)’. Since pigeons are not protected by any wildlife protection legislation, these practitioners appear to have no problems in operating openly. Interestingly enough, in keeping with the many beliefs of the town, even these traditional healers offer their services only on some days of a week.
“There are several naati healers who offer treatment for stroke using pigeons. Patients from far-flung places come to Kollegal for treatment, and we give them medicines prepared using the blood and meat of pigeons,” said one of the healers.
Pointing out that his ancestors too were involved in the profession, the healer added, “Both my grandfather and father were well known for the treatment they offered with the pigeons. I am continuing the tradition. I am offering this as a service. I offer treatment free of cost to those who cannot afford to pay for it.”
There are other traditions that the healers abide by as well. “I offer treatment only on Tuesdays and Fridays, after offering puja to the family Goddess. It’s a family tradition,” he added.
Kollegal resident Satish Rao said that a few healers had thousands of pigeons at their disposal. “These naati healers do not belong to any particular caste or religion. The most famous healer for pigeon stroke treatment is a Muslim. They use domestic pigeons, and there is great demand for them,” said Rao.
On the other hand, Chamarajanagar district health officer Dr Prasad sought to roundly refute claims. “The treatment they offer using pigeons will have no medicinal benefits for patients,” Dr Prasad said.
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Contact Info: 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD (www.pigeonpatrol.ca)
